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Reviews to our 2. Demo »The Law of Life«
Under the name »Stonehenge« they released their first Demo »Der Steppenwolf« in 1998. Afterwards, they had to change their Name into Megalith, and many other obstacles also had to be overcome. But finally, they could release their second Demo CD at the end of last year. The 3 songs sound professional, fresh, hard and carefully arranged. Some passages sound like heavy doom, but mostly Megalith rather move in the realm of thrash metal. The keyboards are quite in the background, and Megalith’s individual way of composing melodies assures that the songs do not sound too abstract. But still, Megalith play music that is astonishingly individual. They do not fit into any existing heavy metal category. The epic »God is Alive« is really a great song. Apart from the music, you will also have to spend some time studying the lyrics and the underlying concept, if you want to do justice to Megalith. This concept lies at the centre of their music. Self-assured, Megalith state that they want to provide their fans with more than just an escape from grim reality. And they do that with provoking lyrics that are never mainstream and never politically correct. To pin things down: They cover topics like immigration and cultural imperialism in a multicultural society. These topics should be of interest to everyone, but no one dares to criticise them openly, because all are afraid to be labelled as a right wing band. But Megalith definitely don’t deserve that, even if that might be seen differently by some of those who believe themselves to be the personification of the only true and holy wisdom. The band is definite and trustworthy in their disassociation from violence and discrimination. But political statements are only one side of Megalith’s lyrics. The other is really beautiful poetry. The title song, for example, is based on a text by Jack London (The Call of the Wilde, The Sea Wulf). This song has such an emotionally touching depth that it reaches right into your soul. Of course, not only Megalith but also Jack London deserve credit for that, to be fair to all. But the Megaliths deserve respect for the courage to use this material for a song. I can only recommend to check this band out and decide for yourself. My personal impression is 100% positive, and I am looking forward to the debut Album that is soon to come. You can purchase the CD at www.megalith-online.com for 5 Euros from the former Agathodaimon-guitarist Hyperion.
The flyer announces professional and outstanding music somewhere in the realm of heavy, death, thrash and black metal … and this is exactly what this »The Law of Life« sounds like. The second demo released by this German act and the first one under this moniker (previously known as STONEHENGE) offers us 25 minutes of very well thought out music. The production is what you can regard as crystal clear (especially for a demo) and music like this needs very good production. Everything is in the right measure here (almost already perfect). The vocals are generally screamed growlings and nicely compliment the band's musical direction. The guitars and the keyboard complement each other brightly, almost never playing the same thing. The lead parts never overshadows the rhythm, yet most of the solos stay in your mind after few repeated listenings. Tracks such as »God is Alive« or »An Ode to Subjugation« are much more a musical unity than a collection of riffs, screams, atmospheric keyboard surroundings … The Concept as a whole is well considered, well performed, non predictable but still accessible for quite a varied array of listeners. I can't understand why this band isn't already signed. The top of self production.
MEGALITH come from Germany and already have released one Demo. Perhaps someone of you heard about STONEHENGE'S »Der Steppenwolf«? But however, now we are occupied with »The Law Of Life«! This CD contains five compositions. The two first compositions are a second time on the CD in a longer version. The music is a mixture of industrial and thrash/black metal with folk parts. These parts are soaked with Germanic melodies in every calorie. That unites me with Vikings. But from where did the people of the north arise in Moguncia? The Music is not complicated. The songs contain several riffs, and one is faced with a huge quantity of keys. A compliment to the rhythmical percussion and the quality of the solos. Due to the connection of melody and moderate use of tools something enchanted me in this band. »An Ode To Subjugation« has a very similar refrain to ETERNAL DEFORMINTY. However, a long-lasting relationship with MEGALITH becomes wearisome. The problem is to be found in the two elongated pieces. Now I do not know what to write about this formation! I'll leave it that way... If somebody is interested in the creations of these Germans, then turn yourself to this material, but I suggest - without the long-versions!!! Artur
H.V. Widukind, still more known to the general metal public as Hyperion (ex. Agathodaimon guitarist), and his new act Megalith kicks of this, their 2nd demo (the first one was released in 1998 under the name Stonehenge), with one of the most bewitching metal songs I've ever heard - God Is Alive. A brilliant song all the way through with a hypnotic groove and purely amazing melodies. When the first song of an album is such an enticing one it's hard to push yourself to listen through the rest of the material. And I must confess I listened to God Is Dead at least 10 times before even bothering to pass it. But when I finally did I quickly found that it wasn't just a one-song band I was dealing with. An Ode To Subjugation and The Law Of Life kicks some serious ass as well! This is an extremely enjoyable demo and I'm very surprised they don't have a record deal as of yet. This should however be fixed quite soon as the band is currently working on new material set for release later this year. I can't wait to hold the debut, that WILL be released soon if there's even an ounce of justice in the world!!!!, in my hands! Great stuff!
Megalith from Germany offer their second demo, the first was released under the name of Stonehenge, then they changed their name to Megalith. The demo offers three songs and two of them are also featured in a short version. For me it makes no sense to put a short and a long version of a song on a Cd with the length as the only difference, but as the Cd has a playing time of 25 minutes without the short versions it shall be no problem. Concerning the music, one has to say that Megalith´s music is not too extreme, it is a melodic melange of Heavy, Death, Trash and Black Metal. The production is very professional and would also have been ok for a label release. The guitars are very melodic, keyboards are used in the songs and the vocals are very varied, they range from growls over Black Metal vocals to clear vocals. Although the other musicians are also very skilled, I´m especially impressed by the work of the vocalist. Due to the fact that the music is not too raw, extreme fans of really raw underground music will not be too happy with this one, but I think it will be liked by fans of not too extreme bands like Old Mans Child and so on. Therefore I also think that this demo release will appeal to a quite big audience. Available for 5 Euro. (Michael Druml) 4,1 of 6
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